Article Assignment
Please read the article below. Once you are done reading the article, take the short quiz.
Sharing Your Story with Your Network
Reaching out to family, friends, or even strangers for support can be challenging. However, effectively leveraging your network and clearly communicating your need for a living kidney donor is important. The more you engage with your network and tell your story, the more confident you’ll become, making it easier each time. Remember, the GiftWorks’ team does not know your network or the people you do. Therefore, success will demand that your get comfortable reaching out to others as much as possible, in as many different ways as possible.
While you may be months into your time with GiftWorks, it’s critical that you continue to share your story with those you know (and even those you don’t). Below, we’ve shared a few tips to make this process easier. Please read through and then complete the short quiz at the end to let us know how you are doing with your search.
- Be Honest and Vulnerable
When sharing your story with others, be open about your situation. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, and even your fears. Not only will this help your network learn more about you and your story, but it will also help people feel more connected to you.
KEY POINT: when talking about ourselves, it is normal to feel vulnerable or even “guilty”. However, by sharing your story with those you know, you give them the opportunity to help you. This is a great gift because most people want to help, they just don’t know how.
- Start With Your Family and Friends
We understand that it can be somewhat uncomfortable and difficult to ask your network for help. That’s why we suggest starting with your family, friends, and those closest to you. Your loved ones are your strongest advocates and biggest supporters, and will be more than happy to share your story.
KEY POINT: your close family and friends will often ask you how they can help. Tell them how they can do so. First, they can share your GiftWorks’ website with their network. Make sure they know what your website URL is and encourage them to share that URL by texting or emailing others. Remind them that, from time to time, you will share updates on social media. Ask them to click “share” on your updates so your posts can reach more people. These methods are simple, do not involve much time, but can have an incredible impact.
- Remember What the Big Ask Really Is
You are not asking people to donate their kidney to you, you are simply asking them to spread the word about your story. Be sure to make it clear that there is no obligation to donate, but that you would really appreciate their help and support in informing others about your situation.
KEY POINT: if someone hears about your story, they have the option to step forward as a donor or not. Most people will help in the way that they are most comfortable with. Keep in mind that you are never asking someone to donate, you are just telling them about your situation, and then they will have the opportunity to opt into learning more or not.
- Be Yourself
Last but not least, always be yourself. You are incredible, and people want to know more about YOU! The messages you share should come from the heart, and you should be comfortable with everything that you’re sharing. The more vulnerable you are, and the more information you provide, the more likely people are to spread the word about your need for a living kidney donor.
KEY POINT: while GiftWorks is supplying you with posts to share, do not be afraid to share your own updates. You can write a post or even send a text. You may also post videos (which are known to perform better on social media) from time to time. This is a journey and, whether you know it or not, people are invested. They will appreciate updates and you may be surprised by the amount of support you receive.
At the end of the day, remember that you’re never directly asking a person for their kidney; you’re asking them to help share your story. Your community will be happy to spread the word about your story, and want to help you find that special living kidney donor who will forever change your life.
